R Palimaka

Thank you Richard, that's very kind. I think we all have that one subject aircraft that we love and have spent a lot of time researching. It doesn't seem to impress anyone at parties, but it makes us happy. Richard

Don't worry, got you covered there too. Post-war RCAF Mustangs and their modifications are a little obsession of mine. And yes, the Tamiya F-51D is a good start. Richard

The battery would still be behind the pilot's seat along with the SCR-522. The battery was moved to the engine bay in late P-51D ( -30NA, -25NT and -30NT ) production when the SCR-695 was introduced. That wouldn't affect the Mustang IVs and IVa that 442 Squadron received. The visual clue for the battery being moved forward is a small rectangular scoop on the port side engine cowling just above the wing root leading edge. Richard

I found this history of KB940 which crashed on November 24, 1952 close to the perimeter of the base at Comox. Lancaster KB940 Crash There is also this on CASPIR ( Canadian Aircraft Serials Personnel Information Resource ) which will include the Aircraft Record Card and details of the crew. You'll have to scroll down the page to find that serial number in the list CASPIR KB940 Hope that helps, haven't been able to find a photo yet. Cheers, Richard

I don't think you have anything to worry about. I live and work in a Canadian city with a strong military presence, with American officers posted and living here for training, staff college courses and to teach and instruct. Plates from NY, Alaska, Maryland, Ohio, Texas and Virginia...and that's just what I can see from my office window. They are all welcomed as colleagues and neighbors while they are here. Canadians are confused and upset but it won't translate to vandalism, and that's as much as I probably should say. Richard

OOOoh...now that's fabulous news! May not excite a lot of people but it's one of my Holy Grails... Don't know anything about Crazy Cat as a company but willing to give them a chance. Richard

They look nice, but one is incomplete. FZ152, "SS" with the invasion stripes, is the personal mount of the top-scoring Polish ace Stanislaw Skalski. They omitted his Wing Commander pennant and scoreboard. I was happy to see the subject included on the sheet but something didn't quite look right... I've let them know and received a very kind and professional reply. Richard

It's the "Cockpit Cover, Central Stowage" It's a rack with a canvas bag that was originally intended to hold the fabric canopy and engine covers. It became a handy place to carry the pilot's personal effects. It was a plywood board secured with angle brackets front and back with a large zippered canvas bag attached. The canvas was an interior green colour, but could fade to lighter green or almost tan in the sun. There is an excellent description of it in Southern Cross Mustangs by David Muir if you have access to that book. I'll see if I can find drawings of it in one of my RCAF Mustang maintenance manuals. Richard

Saw this over on one of the other websites, hopefully I'm not repeating a previous post from someone. It's a range I wasn't aware of. The figures are 3D printed and a bit pricey but beautiful, with very natural poses. The figures are available in all scales including 1/24. I've always complained that there weren't enough RAF ground crew and pilot figures, but I can't anymore. Modelu 3D printed figures Definitely going to invest in some. Richard

Has there been any more news on this? I have a thing for big and ugly aircraft. Richard

Buy the IBG model. The Silver Wings kit is resin and although lovely it would be a bit of a challenge. The IBG kit is injection moulded and absolutely gorgeous and well-engineered, and less expensive. Richard

The book Martin mentions above is a good choice. There are many specialist and scholarly books on the Polish Air Force and those two squadrons, but for a very readable history for the generalist I would also recommend "A Question of Honor". It highlights the careers of 303 Squadron's "Four Musketeers", Lokuciewski, Zumbach, Daszewski and Feric....but also gives a very full and moving picture of the exiled Polish Air Force and their struggles and triumphs...and the tragedy of their post-war stories. A Question of Honor - Penguin Random House My father is recognized by the Polish Air Force as the last known surviving member of 303 Squadron, although not a pilot he was an engine mechanic and was with the Squadron when it disbanded. He's 98 and in failing health, but still has good stories of those days. Richard

I am not doubting the accuracy of your markings at all. You have an excellent reputation. I was just confused at that many FAA Seafires being in Canada at RCAF Station Uplands in 1953. I found the photos and what they show is 422 Squadron Sabres and a support aircraft, a Canadair Northstar from 426 Squadron, at Lossiemouth, Scotland in August 1953. Lossiemouth was a stop on the ferry flight, called Operation Leapfrog IV, from Canada to Baden-Sollingen which moved RCAF Sabre squadrons to Europe. So these Seafires are at their home in Lossiemouth and not in Canada. Just thought I would share that. Richard

I'm very curious myself. They could have been sent there for winter testing which was done through CEPE ( Central Experimental and Proving Establishment ) at RCAF Rockcliffe on the other side of the city of Ottawa from Uplands. 1953 seems late to be testing Seafires when newer aircraft were in service. And just a correction...Uplands didn't become "CFB Uplands" until 1968 and unification of the Forces. Prior to that it was "RCAF Station Uplands". Richard

As far as I know there is nothing available. The problem is that the Trumpeter is so misshapen that nothing would improve it. The Airfix has its issues but is a much better start to an accurate P-51D/K. Richard

Completely agree with the suggestions above. I've also use the RB Production RAF and USAAF harnesses which are brilliant as well. All are very fiddly to assemble but look spectacular when finished. Richard

That is just gorgeous. The finish and weathering on the model is completely convincing and the figure adds so much to the display. Can't stop looking at it. Beautiful! Richard

I'm not sure about easier for either choice, familiar or unfamiliar/obscure. I've crawled all over the inside and outside of Mustangs, and have been collecting research material for decades. I try to correct kits and incorporate as much detail as my skills will let me. So it takes four years to build a model, that's where I get my enjoyment. As for aircraft I'm completely unfamiliar with, I tend to go into rabbit holes. Currently I've become interested in French fighters of 1940 and have started to dig into research material for each one as I start building. They probably won't be as accurate or detailed, but the research is fun for me. I'll never see a real Bloch MB.152 or a MS.406, but I'll get as close to accurate with my model as makes me happy. Subjects I'm less interested in, like German or Russian, I will build out of the box and be happy. Richard

Indeed, very shocking news. A terrible loss for the aircraft restoration and preservation movement. Richard

There are a couple of photos here, showing the K-14 on Israeli Mustangs. I have to look at my references at home but I think the sunshade was retractable. Ventura Publications Israeli Mustangs Another article talks about the first four Mustangs smuggled into Israel having arrived de-militarized with gunsights removed. Interestingly the Israelis installed Czech-made Revi sights cannibalized from damaged S-199s. Can't vouch for the source, it comes from an independent researcher. Early Israeli Air Force Mike's Research Hope this helps a little bit. Richard

Sorry I haven't replied earlier, I just regained consciousness after seeing the announcement... This is one that I've wanted for a looooonngg time. Disappointed and teased for years by rumours and possible announcements from a couple of other manufacturers. I had hoped that maybe Arma Hobby might make a venture into 1/32, but Eduard is excellent news. Not that markings will be a huge issue but hopefully they will include RAF and Commonwealth options as well... and Polish of course. Richard

All of the above. I've rarely finished a GB on time, but it gives me incentive to start something I might not otherwise have thought about. The encouragement and advice along the way builds a lot of confidence, and helps me gain experience and skills. Richard

Probably...

Yes, as Kev says, the most obvious was the raised cockpit and humped fuselage in the Sea Fury. The aircraft was intended to be a lighter weight version of the Tempest II. Wingspan was shortened, and wheel wells and undercarriage moved in. Also Sea Fury had five-bladed prop as opposed to four blades on the Tempest. The tail was taller and a different shape. Wing leading edge intakes rearranged. I'm sure others will chime in with more... Richard

Not a dumb question, everybody has their area of interest. There are only a couple of people I can think of out there on the internet who think they know everything. First of all, the Sea Fury is a naval aircraft of the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm so not RAF. And the Tempest and Sea Fury do look similar but they are different, sort of like the difference between a Wildcat and a Hellcat maybe? Richard